Marlinspike

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	CLEAT HITCH: One of the simplest knots, certainly the most used aboard a boat, involves nothing more that turns around a cleat. You may not have thought of this as a knot, but it is. Notice how the bearing line comes in at an angle to the base of the cleat, passing under each horn once. The one and a half turns over the horns forming a figure eight is enough. More turns add no more security.
	BOWLINE: This is the most useful of all knots aboard a boat. Once learned (and practice is necessary) it is easy to make, never slips or jams, and can always be untied. Great for joining two lines of equal or unequal size by having a bowline in the end of each.
	ROUND TURN AND TWO HALF HITCHES: This knot is often used when a line with some load on it is to be secured to something else, such as an eye or a spar. Use to secure a mooring line to a piling, a dingy painter to a mooring ring, or to hang fenders from rails.
	CLOVE HITCH: Commonly used to tie a line to a piling. This is often a mistake. Although very adjustable, it tends to slip, especially with nylon line. If the load is is applied to one end only, it should be finished by making two half hitches with the free end around the standing part. If you use the same line from the bow to a piling, and then to the stern, it is ideal. Both ends are taut and it is very adjustable.
	SHEET BEND: This is an excellent knot to join two lines together, especially if they are of different sizes or textures. You can also use part of it to fasten onto a loop.
	REEF or SQUARE KNOT: Excellent knot for tying reefs, furling sails, lashing small objects, or other applications when the ends of a single line need to be joined. Works best if the line is under constant pressure and both ends are the same size. It is a mistake to use this knot to join two lines to make a longer line. It can slip, especially if not under constant tension. A better choice is the sheet bend.

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